The Manly Art: Bare-Knuckle Prize Fighting in America
In The Manly Art, Elliott J. Gorn traces the history of bare-knuckle prize fighting in America, revealing how this brutal sport encapsulated the era's ideals of masculinity and physical dominance. From gritty rings to roaring crowds, it shaped cultural attitudes toward strength, honor, and social hierarchy in the 19th century.
About This Book
The Manly Art delves into the tradition of bare-knuckle prize fighting, a central element of American culture in the 19th century. This form of combat, unencumbered by modern rules, embodied ideals of toughness and honor among men.
Elliott J. Gorn examines how these fights were more than mere spectacles; they reflected broader social dynamics, including class tensions and the evolving notion of manhood in a changing nation.
Through historical analysis, the book highlights the fighters, crowds, and societal impacts that made bare-knuckle boxing a defining feature of American life before the rise of regulated sports.
Gorn's work provides insight into how this rough pastime influenced popular entertainment and cultural values, offering a window into the past's unfiltered expressions of strength and rivalry.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review this book!